Deslauriers, a restricted free agent, was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings on March 5. The 23-year-old played in 17 of the Sabres' last 20 games and impressed with his physical presence on the ice. He scored one goal for Buffalo.

"Nick was able to step in and compete in every situation we put him in," Sabres general manager Tim Murray said in a statement. "We're confident that he will be an important part of our organization going forward."

A converted defenceman, Deslauriers led the AHL's Manchester Monarchs in goals with 18 before being acquired by the Sabres. He finished the AHL season with 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 65 games.

He's only 17 but he can see the ice so well and he moves the puck and goes to the open ice all the time, so I just think he's a player that is ready to play in the NHL. I'm really looking forward to coaching someone like this.

— U.S. National Junior Team coach Ron Wilson on Auston Matthews, the projected No. 1 pick of the 2016 NHL Draft